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ABOUT JASON WESTThe first time Jason was ever on stage was in the first grade at 6 years old in the Christmas pageant "The Little Gray Donkey." After his first exposure to the stage lights, he took up the bass fiddle in the fourth grade and played it with the school’s orchestra until he graduated. In his high school years, in addition to playing in the orchestra, he was a marching band manager, sang in the choir, a lead vocalist in the Jazz Rock Ensemble, and performed in the musical "Hello Dolly". It was as a member of the Jazz Rock Ensemble and at the age of 17 when he did his first road tour.After graduation he attended the University of Pittsburgh where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater with a minor in Communications and additional concentrations in Engineering and Psychology. In his college years he sang with the collegiate choir and acted in over 14 stage productions. It was during this time that he also had the opportunity to perform in several major musicals produced by the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra led by Hungarian Maestro Istvan Jaray.When college concluded, Jason became an entertainer with Jules Patt Entertainment at a resort in central Pennsylvania. While at the resort, Jason along with two other singers performed in theme shows. His favorite of course being the country show. Not only did he sing while he was there but he also performed in two stunt shows. One, a pirate show with real sword fighting and the other, a Wild West Stunt Show/BBQ. Jason loved the down and in the dirt Wild West show which included hand to hand fighting, large bowie knife fighting, and demonstrations of old west style gun fights.While at the resort the opportunity for a job in professional live theater presented itself. It was then that he headed off to Pittsburgh to work for the world-renowned and award winning Pittsburgh Public Theater. He worked at the professional regional theater in an array of positions from finish carpenter in the scene shop, to stage operations manager, to a producing administrator. As an administrator he was in charge of overseeing the construction of the company's brand new $28 million facility and has played a key role in producing over 96 productions giving rise to over 3700 performances. Over his 14-year adventure at the theater, he has had the pleasure of working with such stars as, Marsha Mason, Bonnie Franklin, Sigourney Weaver, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Carol Burnett, Marlo Thomas, and F. Murray Abraham among others. He still thanks God for having the tremendous opportunity to work with such extraordinary people especially collegue and friend, the late playwright August Wilson.Late on a Friday evening in November 1999 while driving back to his hometown to visit with family, he was involved in a violent head on collision with a drunk driver. Only by a miracle, did he manage to survive the accident. State police, EMT’s, and witnesses were stunned that he survived. One rescue member commented that he had seen accidents that were far less severe where the occupants of the vehicle had died. It was this accident that made Jason realize how one's life could be over in a blink of an eye and that he needed to get back to what he missed most, his music and performing.While enduring several accident related surgeries over a 4 year period he came to the conclusion that he had to chase after his dream once and for all. With then girlfriend Judy at his side, he made several trips to New York and Los Angeles to determine where he belonged. Neither place seemed or felt like home to him. To quote him: "I've always felt like a tourist everywhere I've been; even in my home town. I'm searching for where I belong." Remaining in Pittsburgh, and in spite of a ruptured cyst leaving scars on one of his vocal chords, he eventually started to sing again by hitting some of the local karaoke bars throughout the city singing his favorite country tunes. Throughout his years in Pittsburgh Jason was also able to demonstrate his talents as a director and set designer. He even had the opportunity to be in two movies and take to the stage as an actor again in several productions. His abilities as a singer and actor resulted in several individuals encouraging him to pursue a professional career. It wasn't until January of 2001 that Jason had the opportunity to visit where he thought he might find the "home" he was looking for - Music City. It was song writer and lyricist Linda Marcus (who works with Jack Feldman and Barry Manilow) that, after having Jason showcase some of her songs, encouraged him to travel to Nashville. Jason realized instantly upon arriving in Music City that he had found the home for which he was so desparately searching. Strangely enough, however, fate and circumstances have prevented him from making the move to the town he so longs to call home.In spite of the obstacles he is determined to become a Nashville resident. Jason is forever thankful to one of the first people in Nashville to welcome him with the warmest heart and open arms, his very close and dear friend Su-Anna, a DJ at WSM-FM 95.5 The Wolf. It was through Su-Anna, (pictured below) that Jason met a circle of close friends who he holds in the highest regard as family with undying love and devotion.Su-Anna, a friend who will never let you down and who will always be there no matter how far apart you are. Luv Ya!
